Auckland, New Zealand, April 2026 – Nissan Motor Corporation has announced the appointment of Sriram Padmanabhan as Country Head of Nissan New Zealand, effective April 27, 2026. He began transitioning into the Auckland-based role on April 1 and will report to Steve Milette, Managing Director of Nissan Oceania.
Padmanabhan brings over two decades of experience in the automotive industry, spanning sales, network development, marketing, and corporate strategy. His appointment comes at a crucial time as Nissan strengthens its position in the New Zealand market.
In his new role as Country Head and Director at Nissan New Zealand, Sriram Padmanabhan is responsible for full P&L delivery, dealer network performance, and brand growth across the New Zealand market, while also serving as a member of the Nissan Oceania Management Committee.
Prior to this, he led a business transformation program at Nissan Motor India, driving complexity reduction and supporting multiple new product launches, reinforcing the company’s future-ready strategy.
Earlier, as Director of Marketing and Customer Experience for Nissan Oceania, he played a pivotal role in shaping the “Defy Ordinary” brand direction and leading key product launches across the region.
His broader career includes significant leadership roles at Ford Motor Company, where he held multiple positions across Oceania, Asia Pacific, Europe, and emerging markets, building deep expertise in dealer network development, brand strategy, and global marketing operations.
Padmanabhan succeeds Jenni Martin, who has stepped down from the role after her tenure leading Nissan New Zealand.
Welcoming the appointment, Steve Milette noted that Padmanabhan is a proven automotive leader with strong experience across brand, commercial, and dealer network development, and expressed confidence in his ability to strengthen Nissan’s position in New Zealand.
About Nissan Motor Corporation
Nissan Motor Corporation is a global automobile manufacturer headquartered in Yokohama, Japan, offering a full range of vehicles under the Nissan and INFINITI brands. The company operates across major global regions including Japan-ASEAN, China, Americas, and AMIEO, delivering innovative mobility solutions worldwide.
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